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David French argues the solution is simpler than we think.

By David French

Produced by Sophia Alvarez Boyd

Despite concerns over the falling birthrate, especially on the right, the Times Opinion columnist David French recognizes that the push to have more families — and bigger ones — has become problematic. In this audio essay, French explains why he thinks the recent political conversation on the topic reveals “the worst form of natalism.”

Below is a lightly edited transcript of the audio piece. To listen to this piece, click the play button below.

David French: Like many conservatives, I believe the falling birthrate is a very important topic in the United States and in the world. And I consider myself a natalist. But I do have some profound concerns with how natalism is being discussed on the right.

Audio clip of Sarah Huckabee Sanders: Not only do my kids serve as a permanent reminder of what’s important; they also keep me humble. Unfortunately, Kamala Harris doesn’t have anything keeping her humble.

Clip of JD Vance: We’re effectively run in this country by a bunch of childless cat ladies.

Clip of Malcolm Collins: They are, I think, the truest and purest form of evil today.

French: What I worry about when I see things like the JD Vance “childless cat lady” comments or the gross insults that you’ll often see among right-wing influencers with large followings around this issue is that rather than encouraging people, you’re shaming people, and when you shame people, you actually inoculate them against your message.

Someone like JD Vance talking about “childless cat ladies" — that should not be the entry to this discussion.........

© The New York Times